Global impact and contributing factors in varicose vein disease development

Abstract

Varicose veins are convoluted, expanded, and stretched subcutaneous veins of the lower leg and are the most frequently reported medical condition. This condition has a higher prevalence in Western and developed countries. Inadequacy of the valves results in reflux of blood in the veins of the lower leg. The present study aims to describe the epidemiology and contributing factors (risk factors and pathological factors) in the development of varicose veins disease. PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were explored to include potential research and review articles. Finally, 65 articles were considered appropriate to include in the study. Pain, swelling, heaviness, and tingling of the lower limbs are the most common sign and symptoms caused by varicose veins while in some individuals it is asymptomatic. The Prevalence of varicose veins varies geographically. Currently, it is reported that globally about 2%–73% of the population is affected by varicose veins while the prevalence rate in Pakistan is 16%–20%. Different risk factors associated with the advancement of varicose veins are age, gender, occupation, pregnancy, family history, smoking, BMI and obesity, exercise, genetic factor, and current lifestyle. In varicose veins, some contributory elements may also play an important role in the disease development, incorporating constant venous wall aggravation, hereditary variation, and persistent venous hypertension. This condition has now turned into a curable issue that was previously viewed broadly as less important for treatment, determining the individual’s satisfaction. Moreover, the mechanisms behind the risk factors involve diet, physical work, and hormonal contribution. These are more likely to be explored.

Randomized controlled trial on occupational graduated compression clinical and cost-effectiveness

“…This patho-physiology phenomenon makes the prolonged occupational standing a recognized risk factor for chronic venous disease (CVD). 1,2 According to a 12 year Danish prospective study, occupational prolonged standing in healthy subjects was a risk factor for CVD, with a relative risk of 1.75 (95% CI 0.92 to 3.34) for men and 1.82 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.95) for women. 3 The data were in-line with a Scandinavian investigation reporting a risk ratio for varicose veins of 1.85 for men and 2.63 for women, with results adjusted for age, social group, and smoking habits.…”

Evaluating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Varicose Veins in Surgeons and Operating Room Staff at Buraidah Center Hospital

“…While the exact cause of VVs remains unclear, several exacerbating factors have been identified. Common risk factors include increasing age, being female, pregnancy, smoking, a family history of venous diseases, and being overweight [8][9][10][11]. Prolonged periods of standing at work significantly increase the likelihood of VV development and serve as a significant occupational risk factor [11].…”

“…Common risk factors include increasing age, being female, pregnancy, smoking, a family history of venous diseases, and being overweight [8][9][10][11]. Prolonged periods of standing at work significantly increase the likelihood of VV development and serve as a significant occupational risk factor [11]. Genetics, the deterioration of elastic tissue, and venous thrombosis within the venous wall are just a few factors that can lead to valve weakening and dysfunction [8,12].…”

The association between vegetarian diet and varicose veins might be more prominent in men than in women

“…Varicose veins is a common vascular disease in developed countries. ( 1 ) The disease is characterized by clearly visible, dilated, tortuous, and possibly prominent subcutaneous veins in the lower extremities. ( 2 ) Previous studies using self-reported questionnaires have estimated the prevalence of VVs at 31 and 32%, respectively.…”